Vintage Flying Helmets
Aviation, Military & Historical Items for Discerning Collectors
RECENT SALES
(click on pictures to enlarge)
USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large.
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Absolutely superb A-11 flying helmet, size large, by Fox Chase Knitting Mills, I. Miller Parachute Division – quite a scarce label. Lovely condition, unworn and presumably unissued, though it is fitted with correct ANB-H-1 telephone receivers. Superb soft leather and clean chamois lining, 3 press studs (snaps) each side, plus one more on the left jaw for securing the A-14 mask properly. Nice clear AAF decal on the left side of the helmet and great woven label inside. This example would be very difficult to upgrade.
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SOLD
 USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |  USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |
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 USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |  USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |
 USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |  USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |
 USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |  USAAF Type A-11 flying helmet in excellent, unissued condition, with receivers fitted. Size large. |
RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set.
Absolutely superb front line RAF mid-late 1960s jet fighter pilot helmet ensemble. This complete set comprises a beautiful Mk 1A "bone dome" hard shell helmet, together with its Type G blue cloth flying helmet and Type A-13A pressure demand oxygen mask. All items are in excellent condition. The "bone dome" has a superb soft leather lining with several different names written in from reissue. Both the outer helmet and Type G are large size 3 and show light use but no damage. Visor is clean and comes with its velvet lined protective cover. G helmet is fully wired with correct receivers and both plugs. Mask is in excellent condition, fully pliable and no perishing. Perfect set up to depict a Hunter, Javelin or Lightning fighter pilot. These helmets are becoming extremely difficult to source, especially complete and in such fine condition.
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 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
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 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
 RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |  RAF Mk 1A jet helmet with Type G inner helmet and Type A-13A oxygen mask - lovely complete set |
Extremely rare RAF Mae West inflation cartridge - straight type.
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One of the most difficult accessories to find for the stole-inflated (1941 pattern) live saving vest, or Mae West. Simple, metal cylinder, 4.5" long with a screw-in attachment for attaching to the lever device fitted in the lower right-hand lobe of the stole/bladder. Coded markings hand etched near the top. This is the earlier, straight-sided version.
US shipping only.
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SOLD
 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge - straight type |
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 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge - straight type |
 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge - straight type |
 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge - straight type |
RARE RAF Beadon Suit survival knife.
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Extremely hard-to-find accessory that completes the Beadon suit but was also issued with the earlier survival packs (both Arctic and tropical). Comprises a simple but very sturdy pocket knife in blued steel, 5" long (13cm) folded, with a 4" (10cm) single-edge cutting blade and a 3.5" (9cm) 3-sided blade for stabbing or puncturing tyres. This example is in great condition, retaining almost all of its original blued finish and sharpness with no evidence of having been sharpened. Similar design to the escape boot knife but much bigger and quite heavy.
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 RAF Beadon Suit survival - folding machete |  RAF Beadon suit survival knife |
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 RAF Beadon Suit survival - folding machete |  DSCN8801 |
 DSCN8802 |
RAF Type D oxygen mask hose/tube (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB connector.
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Very accurate representation of the hose/tube used on the RAF Type D oxygen mask. 60" long, flexible black rubber tube with painted yellow bands at one end, and an original brass Mk IIIB bayonet connector at the other end. All in excellent condition. Original tubes are very hard to find and often too fragile to display. This is a perfect solution!
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 RAF Type D oxygen mask hose/tube (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB connector |  RAF Type D oxygen mask hose/tube (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB connector |
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 RAF Type D oxygen mask hose/tube (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB connector |  RAF Type D oxygen mask hose/tube (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB connector |
 RAF Type D oxygen mask hose/tube (reproduction) with original Mk IIIB connector |
RAF Gosport tubes and receivers.
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Excellent set of RAF issue Gosport tubes and receivers, comprising black plastic (bakelite) receivers or sounders, with good A-crown-M markings, and fabric covered flexible metal tubing terminating in a Y-shaped aluminium connector that plugged into the aircraft. These fit in all RAF and Fleet Air Arm helmets from 1930-45, used throughout training as well as on ops for crew communication when radio silence was necessary. Colloquially known among instructors and students as "profanity strainers"!
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 RAF Gosport tubes and receivers |  RAF Gosport tubes and receivers |
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 RAF Gosport tubes and receivers |  RAF Gosport tubes and receivers |
RAF emergency 24 hour ration Horlicks Malted Milk tablets, complete tin and all contents.
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Rare item for the survival kit! Horlicks malted milk tablets were a staple of all survival kits and escape aids issued to RAF pilots and crews. The tins turn up occasionally, but tins with all contents are extremely rare. This tin is complete with all contents and the original pamphlet. Minor rust stains to exterior but no dings or dents and contents totally intact and in excellent condition.
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 RAF emergency 24 hour ration Horlicks Malted Milk tablets, complete tin and all contents. |  RAF emergency 24 hour ration Horlicks Malted Milk tablets, complete tin and all contents. |
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 RAF emergency 24 hour ration Horlicks Malted Milk tablets, complete tin and all contents. |  RAF emergency 24 hour ration Horlicks Malted Milk tablets, complete tin and all contents. |
Extremely rare RAF seat parachute cushion cover for emergency rubber water bottle.
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In 30 years of collecting this is the first one of these I have come across. Heavy blue canvas cushion cover for the rubber water container used as a seat cushion when flying over water or jungle territory. Stores ref. 27C/2138 and first issued in 1944. Slightly grubby but very good condition, with no damage, well marked and fitted with a good working DOT zip fastener. Webbing tapes with eyelets for securing to the seat type parachute pack.
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 RAF seat parachute cushion cover for emergency water ration bottle |  RAF seat parachute cushion cover for emergency water ration bottle |
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 RAF seat parachute cushion cover for emergency water ration bottle |  RAF seat parachute cushion cover for emergency water ration bottle |
 RAF seat parachute cushion cover for emergency water ration bottle |
RAF silk inner gloves, worn under leather flying gauntlets.
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Intended for wear under the leather flying gauntlets (1933 Pattern and 1941 pattern) together with a chamois glove, these silk gloves were often worn on their own by certain crew positions (navigators especially). They added a layer of warmth and protection. Few survived and they are now quite difficult to source. This pair is a matched set, size 9-1/2 with broad arrow mark, excellent condition.
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 RAF silk inner gloves, worn under leather flying gauntlets. |  RAF silk inner gloves, worn under leather flying gauntlets. |
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 RAF silk inner gloves, worn under leather flying gauntlets. |
RAF chamois glove liners, worn with silk liners under leather flying gauntlets.
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Intended for wear under the leather flying gauntlets (1933 Pattern and 1941 pattern) together with a silk glove, these soft chamois gloves added a layer of warmth and protection. Few survived and they are now quite rare. One is clearly marked with the A-crown-M mark, the other has faded markings except for the serial number - but both are in very good condition and a near perfect match (one slightly more yellow than the other). Very hard to find, especially in such good condition.
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 RAF chamois glove liners, worn with silk liners under leather flying gauntlets |  RAF chamois glove liners, worn with silk liners under leather flying gauntlets |
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 RAF chamois glove liners, worn with silk liners under leather flying gauntlets |
RAF Mae West inflation cartridge, "hourglass" type.
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One of the most difficult accessories to find for the stole-inflated (1941 pattern) live saving vest, or Mae West. Simple, metal cylinder, 4" long with a screw-in attachment for attaching to the lever device fitted in the lower right-hand lobe of the stole/bladder. Coded markings hand etched near the top. This is the improved, hourglass type – it was found that releasing the gas in two bursts, rather than one, reduced the risk of bursting the stole by inflating it too quickly.
US shipping only.
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SOLD
 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge, "hourglass" type |
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 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge, "hourglass" type |
 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge, "hourglass" type |
 RAF Mae West inflation cartridge, "hourglass" type |
Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers.
One of the most difficult masks to find, the type worn by RAF pilots during the Battles of France and Britain – and it is in fantastic condition, with only the slightest signs of wear: 2 or 3 extremely small worn spots, no mothing and no damage. It is complete with a Type C microphone (Type E microphone assembly with Q cord, plug and rare Type C receivers). Please study the pictures. It would be hard to find a nicer example. Mask is named and may be researchable.
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 Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |  Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |
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 Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |  Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |
 Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |  Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |
 Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |  Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |
 Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |  Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |
 Superb RAF Type D oxygen mask with Type E microphone assdembly, cord, plug and rare Type C receivers |
US Army Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued condition.
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Fantastic US Army Air Corps / AAF A-10 Revised oxygen mask, dated 1-43 and in superb, unissued and unworn condition, still in its box with all its correct accessories and instruction booklet. The rubber is supple and has no issues (some overspill of the original glue/cement with attached the front piece to the mask body is evident). Straps present. Accessories include the extremely rare snap fittings that enable the mask to be attached to a flying helmet (A-8, A-9, B-5 or B-6, though they were also used with A-11 and Type C helmets). This is the mask issued to all of the first 8th AF crews sent to Europe. These just don't turn up any more, much less in this condition.
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 US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |  US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |
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 US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |  US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |
 US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |  US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |
 US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |  US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |
 US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |  US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |
 US Air Corps / AAF Type A-10 Revised oxygen mask in original box with accessories, unissued conditio |
Early RAF Emergency Rations Mk II issued with K dinghy and other survival kits, complete with all contents.
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While examples of the tin do turn up from time to time, tins complete with contents are seldom seen. This example has all its contents intact and packed inside. Horlicks (malted milk) tablets, barley sugars, chewing gum and energy tablets. Tin is labeled with instructions and has the A-crown-M marked to the front indicating pre-1943 production. It is dated to the bottom 6-42 making this a very early and very rare example. Some minor oxidation but no dents or dings and overall very good condition.
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 RAF Emergency Rations Mk II issued with K dinghy and other survival kits, complete with all contents |  RAF Emergency Rations Mk II issued with K dinghy and other survival kits, complete with all contents |
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 RAF Emergency Rations Mk II issued with K dinghy and other survival kits, complete with all contents |  RAF Emergency Rations Mk II issued with K dinghy and other survival kits, complete with all contents |
 RAF Emergency Rations Mk II issued with K dinghy and other survival kits, complete with all contents |
RAF fishing kit issued with survival kits, aids boxes and Beadon suit.
Rare two part fishing kit for issue to RAF crews in jungle surroundings. Kit comprises a small tin full of hooks and weights, together with a folded instruction sheet, plus a good length of fishing line. This was issued in the jungle survival backpack, escape aids box and later with the Beadon suit. A rare accessory.
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 RAF fishing kit issued with survival kits, aids boxes and Beadon suit |  RAF fishing kit issued with survival kits, aids boxes and Beadon suit |
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 RAF fishing kit issued with survival kits, aids boxes and Beadon suit |  RAF fishing kit issued with survival kits, aids boxes and Beadon suit |
Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired).
Very good example of the rather scarce first pattern Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet. Made for Navy use only, and produced in much smaller quantities than the RAF version, it followed the pattern of the RAF Type C, with B Type zipped receiver housings that incorporated Gosport tube fittings as well as electronic receivers, for inter-crew communications. Leather is in excellent condition, with a lovely crisp Admiralty crown and anchor stamp on the chin flap. Chamois interior is quite clean with the owner's name printed in block capitals as was the Navy style. Leather chin strap and Bennett buckle, fore-and-aft goggles strap tabs. Marked as size 2 (medium) but actually quite a generous fitting. These are becoming very difficult to source.
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 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |
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 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |
 Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |  Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Type C flying helmet, first pattern (unwired) |
RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories.
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Excellent pair of Mk VIII goggles, wartime production with a crisp A-crown-M stamp in the leather at the centre of the bridge, still in their original box with an extra set of tinted lenses and demisting cleaning cloth in its tin. Goggles show very light wear, strap still fully elastic, lenses clear and leather/paint are excellent. not as easy to find in this complete state as they used to be!
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 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |
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 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |
 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |
 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |  RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |
 RAF Mk VIII flying goggles, wartime production, in box of issue with accessories |
WWI production RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers.
WWI issue RAF Mk I flying helmet (cap, flying, as correctly noted in RAF parlance). Leather helmet with fur lining around the cheeks and neck, fur lined fold-up peak, flannel lined crown with lovely makers label to George Leavy, one of the better know suppliers to the Air Board/Air Ministry in WWI. Size 7 and fits a display head comfortably. Lovely russet brown leather helmet shows some use, with a few worn spots to the fur lining; chin strap stitching has been reinforced at the tip. Leather is in good shape and helmet displays very well. Fitted with ear flaps and wind-deflector cylindrical pads. All snaps/studs work perfectly. Has been modified by adding an early set of Gosport receivers, permanently attached by sewing to the sides of the helmet, making this a very scarce variant. The Leavey label and overall construction suggests 1918 production - and wartime examples are quite difficult to find. A very nice official issued and used helmet.​
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 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
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 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receiversDSCN4877 |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
 WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |  WWI RAF Mk I Flying Helmet fitted with fixed Gosport receivers |
Fantastic and extremely rare pair of RFC "Fug" Boots in exceptional condition.
One of the most difficult items of early flying clothing to find, and missing from many collections – the "Fug" boots were an invaluable asset to RFC aircrews and so coveted by German pilots that they would be the first item confiscated as "booty" in the event of an aerial victory. As issued they came up to the hips, with leather straps and buckles to attach to the waistbelt, but these were cumbersome under the coat and added little comfort, so the majority of RFC pilots and observers cut them down. This pair, which has been more neatly modified than most, is in amazing condition. Only the very top section has been trimmed, leaving a great pair of thigh-length, over-the-knee boots which provided warmth and comfort at altitude and on cold days. they feature lovely rich honey coloured skeepskin with brown leather shoe section and straps. Most surviving examples are well worn, torn and often show multiple repairs to the sheepskin - these are excellent with no damage or wear, retaining their fleece lining and red rubber soles, as well as tightening straps around the instep and lower leg. They would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
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 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent conditionDSCN4605 |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
 Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |  Fantastic pair of extremely rare RFC "fug" boots in excellent condition |
Superb WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets.
Very good pair of expensive privately-purchased flying gauntlets by Fownes "Own Make". Fabulous quality soft leather palms and inner arms with a fur outer for warmth and to repel water. Separate trigger ginger and thumb. Show some use with a couple of bald spots to the fur but no excessive wear or damage and display well. Overall a lovely example dating to the early days of the RFC.
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SOLD
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 WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |  WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |
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 WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |  WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |
 WWI Royal Flying Corps flying gauntlets |
Extremely rare Royal Flying Corps waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat.
Another extremely rare item of flying clothing issued to pilots of the RFC and RNAS to combat the cold. This suede and shearling warmer comprised a cmbination waistcoat and poncho which slipped over the head, secured in place by a belt which buckled around the waist, then buttoned at the shoulder. This example is in very good condition, clean, with no damage, but lacking the two original buttons which fastened at the shoulder (these could very easily be replaced). Though often seen in period photographs, I have never actually seen one of these before and it is extremely well made. A very rare find.
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 RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |  RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |
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 RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |  RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |
 RFC waistcoat/poncho warmer worn under the flying coat |
RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF.
Yet another wonderful piece of rare RFC flying clothing; the ubiquitous and iconic leather flying coat worn throughout the war, even after it was technically replaced by the more effective one-piece flying overall. This coat is in very good used condition. the leather is excellent, with no damage or excessive wear (a few scratches and surface nicks and slightly grubby from use). There is wear to the lining, notably inside the neck, but all buttons are present and correct, as is the belt and the interior straps for securing to the legs. It would undoubtedly clean up if desired, but it has so much history I'd rather leave it as is! The coat came from the family of S. Spinks, who was initially an Air Mechanic (as most non-officer pilots began life in the RFC). He flew DH9 aircraft in France with 98 squadron. Included with the coat is a letter from the family, a Christmas card from Spinks and 2 photos; one a portrait of him and the other a picture of some of his "palls" (sp). He trained at Gosport before moving to 98 sq. and history can be found online. Most RFC coats I have handled usually exhibit damage or wear commensurate with age - this is one of the best examples I have seen, as far as the condition of the leather goes - an absolute gem.
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SOLD
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
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 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |  RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
 RFC full length leather flying coat attributed to pilot of 98 sq. RFC/RAF |
RAF Irvin jacket by Links, with history —1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition.
Absolutely fabulous Irvin jacket - the best I have ever seen. It has only been worn a few times and comes with history and provenance from a Wellington pilot with 218 and 75 squadron. The reason it is in such amazing condition is because he took it with him on leave to wear while driving his sports car. While he was away, his airfield was bombed and the locker with all his flying kit in was destroyed - so he was issued all new kit, including a new jacket. He kept this one and only wore it occasionally! Reddish brown outer, all zips in perfect working order, short honey coloured fleece, great label and original neck strap in place. This would be very difficult to upgrade.
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 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
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 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |  RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
 RAF Irvin jacket by Links, 1940 dated, 2-panel back in immaculate condition |
RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match.
Very unusual to find RAF flying gloves in a matching pair, but these are an almost perfect match. Colour-wise and pattern they are pretty much spot on. Size-wise they appear identical, although one is marked 9 and the other 8.5. Both have slightly different labels, but both are Air Ministry marked, suggesting 1943 production. Condition is unissued, with leather soft and supple as new. A very nice pair of gloves.
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 RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match |  RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match |
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 RAF Type D flying gloves, near perfect colour match |
RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism.
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Introduced in 1941 and thus often referred to as "1941 Pattern" though it is correctly termed "Life Saving Waistcoat, Stole-Inflated pattern". Yellow cotton construction with leg tapes, built-in grab handles, pocket for floating torch and battery holder, flap for dye pouch, and including an extremely rare early yellow silk covered stole (bladder) complete with its lever-operated inflation mechanism. Extremely clean, near perfect condition with no wear or tears - though curiously the zip at the back of the collar is missing its slide and puller. No evidence of damage - it's just absent! (Could no doubt be replaced with care and patience). The stole is pliable and clean with no damage, though the red rubber sleeve covering it's top up valve mouthpiece is long gone. Well marked and dated 9/41 which is extremely early. A textbook example in excellent condition.
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SOLD
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 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
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 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |  RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
 RAF1941 Pattern Life Vest with early yellow silk stole, complete with lever inflation mechanism |
Exquisite, WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" in red baize-lined case.
Spectacular pair of very early French flying goggles. The "Cyclops" goggles were designed to offer the best wind and weather protection, as well as better visibility than conventional 2-eye-piece goggles. Curved (cylindrical) one-piece optical glass lens with a nickel plated surround, leather facemask lined with red velvet and elastic strap. This style was sold in department stores such as Roold of Paris to compliment the popular Roold range of flying helmets (see last image). Of course these display superbly with a Roold or similar helmet! These come in a beautiful red baize-lined, leatherette-covered wooden case and include an additional spare glass lens, all in absolutely fabulous condition, and apparently unworn. A remarkable find.
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 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
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 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
 WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |  WWI French made flying goggles "Cyclops" |
RARE USAAF 452nd BG, 8th Air Force Pictorial Unit History.
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Not the biggest in terms of page count (40pages plus hard cardboard cover), but one of the best of these immediate post-war unit histories I have seen. The 452nd BG was stationed at Deopham Green in England and comprised the 728th, 729th, 730th and 731st Bomber Squadrons and each of their colourful unit patches are depicted in full colour on the back cover. This book is almost 100% photographs and shows a wide range of historical images, including
A-2 jacket art, nose art, mission photos, flying kit and a lot more. Great period artwork, as well.
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 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
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 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit HistoryDSCN4272 |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |  RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
 RARE USAAF 452nd BG Unit History |
Modified British Army flying boots possible USAAF use?
Very interesting pair of flying boots, which may have been tailored for a USAAF pilot/crewman or perhaps modified from a pair of British Army issue flying boots. They definitely appear to be British style and construction, in high quality brown leather, calf skin lined, and mid-calf length. The rear seams have been cut apart and WWII pattern Talon zip fasteners sewn into place, making the boots easier to put on and take off. These zips appear to have been added by a rigger. In so doing, the original height of the boots may have been cut down slightly at the back to accommodate the zips. Leather soles are original. Modification has been done well and they are a very nice pair of boots. British Army flying boots, similar to the RAF 1936 pattern boots but considerably shorter and brown leather, were issued to Glider pilots and Army Co-operation pilots.
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 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |  Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
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 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |  Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |  Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
 Modified British Army flying boots for USAAF |
RAF Type D flying gloves, non-matching pair.
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Excellent non-matching pair of Type D flying gloves. Near perfect match in the colour of the leather, but one is marked as a size 9-1/2 while the other is marked a size 10. However they seem to be a very close match in size and it's hard to tell when wearing them or placing them together. One has a broad arrow marked label and the other has a nice A-crown-M label. These and other gloves were often issued non-matching and I have no doubt these were always together this way (although they appear unissued).
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 RAF Type D flying gauntlets |  DSCN9546 |
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RARE RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents in very good condition.
Very few survive and most show major deterioration. This example is complete with all contents and in surprisingly good condition. The case has some inward warping around the edge, but lid fits for display and contains a remarkable list of components: Rubberized water bottle; chewing gum (12); malted milk tablets (24); 2 tubes of condensed milk; plastic container with matches (slightly warped and fragile with some minor cracks at the edge); compass in waterproof pouch; combination razor blade, burning glass and can opener; fishing line; 2 rolls of sticking plaster; energy tablets; 2 packets of halazone (water purifying) tablets. 5/44 dated inspection slip. Though some of the perishable contents have leached from their wrappings and are a bit sticky, this is one of the best Escape Aids Boxes I have seen in a long time.
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 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |
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 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |
 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contentsDSCN4791 |
 RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |  RAF aircrew Escape Aids box complete with all contents |
Box of 2 unused filter canisters for WWII USN MSA oxygen rebreather kit dated 1943.
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A scarce accessory for the US Navy rebreather apparatus carried in most USN aircraft for use with the Type C oxygen mask and others. These filters mount on the side of the apparatus and contained charcoal for filtering out CO2 during the rebreathing process. Two original and unopened canisters contained in their original manufacturer's packing box as issued, USN property marjed and dated July 1943. The boxes evidently got damp at some point and there is surface rust on the green canisters which has stained the paper labels, however the labels are intact and still legible.
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 Box of 2 filter canisters for USN MSA rebreather kit |
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 Box of 2 filter canisters for USN MSA rebreather kit |
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RARE US Navy aviator's Solar Still, Mk 1, Model 0.
Complete and unopened Solar Still, Mk 1, Model 0 for producing drinking water when stranded in a dinghy at sea or in the jungle. A rare accessory carried as part of all US Navy aircraft survival and rescue kits. An amazing find in this condition and still unopened. ​
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 US Navy aviator's Solar Still, Mk 1, Model 0 |  US Navy aviator's Solar Still, Mk 1, Model 0 |
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 US Navy aviator's Solar Still, Mk 1, Model 0 |  US Navy aviator's Solar Still, Mk 1, Model 0 |